February 2009 - Posts
Spent some time with Nick King from the Windows Essential Sever Solutions team in Redmond, and while I was expecting some folk to monopolise the evening with discussions around some of the training challenges we have had in the last 6 months or so, this was a very small part of the conversation.
Some of the things that were covered were:
- Advanced Installation using the XML file on a USB key method
- The Windows Essential Business Server Preparation and Planning Wizard and how we can use it to do health checks on other networks making it much much more than a Migration Preparation tool
- Challenges of selling SBS 2008 against SBS 2003
- Some conversation around Home Server as a backup server and very small network solution (*** Update *** I’m now wondering if Foundation Server will be a 2008 based Home Server, which would rock)
But here is the main thing at least for me Nick spoke about a Sales Basket price and contents, some of it is linked to services compared to the hardware and software in the deal. Nick said although the product group does extensive research into the mix of this basket and other metrics, they would struggle with not coming across as telling partners how to suck eggs.
Well let me just say I’m happy for you to teach me anything if it makes our business better so teach away, I think this is one aspect of trade craft that is sorely missing in the SMB space. Now lets see how we can deliver this is a way that really helps technical business owners drive the business parts in a more strategic manner.
Two things are of interest with this:
- It is amazing how fast prior knowledge returns
- The difference in Partner Satisfaction when you are given the opportunity to get the same training as the new vendor employees and at no charge. This might be a possible conversation point with Nick at Microsoft on Wednesday night.
So far I’m pretty happy with the time spent, even though it is a refresher for me this will prove to be a worth while use of resources.
I can easily see myself getting through the NCDA - NetApp Certified Data Management Administrator exams in the next few weeks.
*** Update *** I did not put my Partner Satisfaction Point to Nick because we talked about much more Important things
You may recall Kai Axford was a presenter at TechED AU 2007 on the Gold Coast, well back then he did a session on “Securing the Small Business” well turns out he will be doing and EBS 2008 session @ TechED USA 2009 so it kind of makes me wonder if we might see him out here in September?
SECURING WINDOWS ESSENTIAL BUSINESS SERVER 2008 (APPROVED)
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It's about time! Microsoft has just released the multi-server solution targeting the mid-size business after years of enterprise and small business love. Your thinking about making the move to EBS...but what about security? Is this a "full featured" Forefront TMG? How do the filters work in my Exchange Server security? What flavor or System Center do I get and how do I use it? Join Kai Axford, a Sr. Security Strategist with Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing Group as he demonstrates and discusses this mid-size product in a highly interactive and engaging session.
Of course while on Kai’s Blog I clicked around a bit like you do, and found something very interesting. This is the process of sign in and out of children at Kai’s church which let me tell you is far superior to the entry exit process of any Company or Government Department I have ever visited. I wonder who devised this process and how it was agreed to.
Security
Your child’s safety is of the utmost concern to us. That’s why we take such great care making sure our children’s buildings are as safe and secure as possible. With this in mind, please follow these five easy check-in procedures:
Check-In Procedures
- Get a QuickPass
Pick up your family's new QuickPass key tags at any security booth or in the Children's Ministry offices. 
- Go to a Check-In Booth
Check in your child at any one of our convenient check-in locations. (Note: Grades 4-6 will be allowed to check in without a parent. They must be checked in to enter the Children’s Building.) - Get Your Child's Nametag
You will receive a nametag displaying your child’s name that is to be placed prominently on your child’s clothing. (Access to the Children’s Building will not be granted without a nametag) 
- Get Your Check-In Receipt
In addition to your child’s name tag, for all children birth through grade 3, you will be given a printed "receipt" for child pick-up that bears a randomized alphanumeric code. This code will also appear on your child’s nametag. 
- Get a Parent's Nametag
Parents must also print a nametag for themselves. You may also print optional asset tags to label your child's belongings.
Access to the Children’s Building will not be allowed without a nametag and a receipt.
Security - Children's Ministry - Prestonwood Baptist Church and of course http://blogs.technet.com/kaiaxford/archive/2009/02/01/hello-baby.aspx